Tariffs on Leica Lens Imports to US from EU: Still in Place or Paused?

[eyeheartny]

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I’m aware there were heavy tariffs placed on importing Leica lenses for several years in the past. Does anyone know the current status of those tariffs on import into the US for Leica lenses?
 

This is separate from taxes which I know are levied. I’ve done a search here and elsewhere and couldn’t seem to find a definitive 2022-era answer. 
 

Many thanks! 

[Guest]

A previous threads mentioned the tarrifs going away …

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[eyeheartny]

4 minutes ago, OThomas said:

A previous threads mentioned the tarrifs going away …

 

Yep, I’d seen that, but wanted to see if anyone here had ordered and can confirm the lack of tariffs on import. 

Edited September 4, 2022 by eyeheartny

[BradS]

1 hour ago, eyeheartny said:

Yep, I’d seen that, but wanted to see if anyone here had ordered and can confirm the lack of tariffs on import. 

I’m not entirely certain but I don’t think tariffs work that way. 
 

Also, I think that the tariff in this case applied/applies to stuff specifically from Germany not the whole EU. 

Edited September 4, 2022 by BradS

[eyeheartny]

34 minutes ago, BradS said:

I’m not entirely certain but I don’t think tariffs work that way. 
 

Also, I think that the tariff in this case applied/applies to stuff specifically from Germany not the whole EU. 

They do work that way when you are the importer. I’m looking at buying from a UK Leica dealer and any relevant tariffs are applied when the item is imported. If you buy through a US dealer they are already factored in to the purchase price. Sales taxes are often levied months later by your state after importing as well. The tariffs during the prior presidency were enormous, on the order of 25%, for Leica lenses. They were applied to German made goods regardless of the location of sale. 
 

Buying Leica is often substantially cheaper from EU or Asian sources so that’s why I’m looking at these options and want to confirm. 

Edited September 5, 2022 by eyeheartny

[Ba Erv]

32 minutes ago, eyeheartny said:

They do work that way when you are the importer. I’m looking at buying from a UK Leica dealer and any relevant tariffs are applied when the item is imported. If you buy through a US dealer they are already factored in to the purchase price. Sales taxes are often levied months later by your state after importing as well. The tariffs during the prior presidency were enormous, on the order of 25%, for Leica lenses. They were applied to German made goods regardless of the location of sale. 
 

Buying Leica is often substantially cheaper from EU or Asian sources so that’s why I’m looking at these options and want to confirm. 

In case you didn’t notice the UK is no longer part of the EU.   Moreover, the tariffs were paused in March 2021 and subsequently lifted in June 2021 for 5 years. Taxes and duties are a completely different matter. 

[pridbor]

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Got a lens from Poland inside 6 months ago and didn't have any extra expenses but the price paid on Ebay.

[eyeheartny]

52 minutes ago, pridbor said:

Got a lens from Poland inside 6 months ago and didn't have any extra expenses but the price paid on Ebay.

Thanks. FYI eBay prices would account for tariffs. This really applies to people buying direct from retailers in Asia and Europe. So still need confirmation that the Trump tariffs are not enforced any longer. 

Edited September 5, 2022 by eyeheartny

[eyeheartny]

3 hours ago, Ba Erv said:

In case you didn’t notice the UK is no longer part of the EU.   Moreover, the tariffs were paused in March 2021 and subsequently lifted in June 2021 for 5 years. Taxes and duties are a completely different matter. 

Has nothing to do with UK or EU and I’m well familiar, thanks. Germany is still part of the EU and the tariffs were related to the country of origin, not where it’s sold. 

[Ba Erv]

10 minutes ago, eyeheartny said:

Has nothing to do with UK or EU and I’m well familiar, thanks. Germany is still part of the EU and the tariffs were related to the country of origin, not where it’s sold. 

Your comment didn’t indicate your intention to import new or used products from the UK; yet pointed to a UK dealer as the origin. Ergo, my reply also addressed the HTS as related to production in Germany.  Since you’re “well familiar” it’s puzzling that you’d pose the question.

[arrigato]

Don’t know if this is relevant, but I bought a camera body from Leica classic shop In Germany and UPS charged $35.00 duty.

[Jeff S]

As an aside, Leica didn’t increase German lens prices by 25% for the US. Rather they spread the increase across camera/lens product lines, averaging closer to 10% (with a few exceptions). Once built in, I doubt there has been, or will be, any commensurate reduction, regardless of any tariff elimination, especially given subsequent cost increases resulting from the pandemic, supply line issues, etc.

https://www.reddotforum.com/content/2019/12/leica-price-increase-coming-jan-1-2020/

Jeff

Edited September 9, 2022 by Jeff S